#ReviewCrew Niamh’s 24 Best Books of 2023

One of our lovely team of kid book reviewers, 11 year old Niamh, has gathered together her top 24 books of the year in a wonderful Review Crew Advent Calendar!

There is a great range of books, suitable for ages 5 through to teen. So enjoy Niamh’s wonderful reviews and illustrations, and if you like what you read, they’re all available to buy on this page (worldwide shipping available).

Enjoy the first nine entries below….

Finding Wonder by Lauren St John, reviewed by Aysha (12)

Finding Wonder is a brilliant book and it should definitely be on your to-read list!

The story is about a girl called Roo. After the unexpected death of her father, she moves into a wee caravan with her Aunt Joni. Then something extraordinary happens, she discovers that before his death, her father bought a winning lottery ticket.

“My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book.”

Aysha (12)

Deciding to spend the money on something she loves, when Roo sees that her favorite horse, Wonder Boy has gone on the market, she decides to buy the horse. However, before she can collect Wonder, the horse goes missing and within weeks, more famous horses go missing.

Roo and her Aunt Joni decide to investigate. Will they find Wonder Boy and the other horses?

I think this book is for ages 9+. I adored reading this mystery.  My favourite character has to be Aunt Joni as she gives a warm, calming feel to the book. 

Under A Dancing Star by Laura Wood, reviewed by  Farrah (17)

Set in a beautiful summer in the 1930s, Bea, who has grown up rallying against patriarchal conventions of the time, has been sent to stay with her uncle in Italy, in an attempt from her parents to make her more ‘respectable’ and ‘ladylike’, and thus prepared for marriage. Little do they know that they have instead sent Bea into the heart of a bohemian household, where she will be exposed to, and encouraged to interact with art, romance and self-expression.

“A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. . .I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too.” 

Farrah (17)

However, Bea’s idyllic bubble is not immune from the influences of fascism and patriotism that were especially prevalent, and gaining traction in the social and political climate of the 1930s. 

Bea’s epic summer allows her to further explore her love for science, and provides her with a forum to exist with autonomy, outside of the confines of the patriarchal society she is normally subjected to. She is afforded breathing space, and as the reader, we watch Bea come into her own, and affirm who she is as an individual, rather than what society, and her parents, wish her to be. She experiences a joyful and lively summer romance, which only adds to plot of this wonderful novel, but above all, this book centres around Beatrice’s growth as the hero of her own story, as she learns more about herself and the world she lives in. 

A Much Ado About Nothing retelling, this book will have you glued to your seat as you read it in one sitting. Impossible to put down, Under a Dancing Star contained all of my favourite ingredients, from the marvellous character development and strong friendships, to the delicious feasts, vibrant setting, adventurous escapades and even more. Wood vividly describes all of the places Beatrice encounters, making the experience feel tangible, as though you were there alongside her. Having read several of Laura Wood’s novels, this one certainly affirms her place as one of my favourite authors. I hope you read this book and fall in love with it too. 

Friends and Traitors by Helen Peters, reviewed by Aysha (12)

I think everyone should get to read this Fantabulous book (that is not a word I use often).

“I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school.” 

Aysha (12)

Nancy suddenly finds herself working for a girl’s school in Stanbrook where she encounters a girl named Sidney about her age who has just moved here. They are positive that something is going on in the stables with Mr Armitage, the owner of the house and Miss Taylor, a sports car driver. As Nancy and Sidney explore the house, they discover even more secrets and shocking news. Can they figure out what they are planning before it is too late?

I absolutely loved this book. It taught me so much about World War II and stuff you don’t get taught at school. 

This book includes World War II, Mystery + Detective.

I think this book is suitable for ages 11 upwards. 

Lottie Brooks’s Totally Disastrous School Trip by Katie Kirby, reviewed by Emily (13)

This book is Katie Kirby’s fourth book in the Lottie Brooks series and doesn’t disappoint.  Filled with her usual humour and catastrophic storyline, it was a book which entertained me throughout.

“Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers.”

Emily (13)

Lottie Brooks is a twelve-year old girl who stumbles through her teenage years with the help of her friends and hamsters.  This time the novel is based around Lottie going on a residential trip to Camp Firefly with her class.  Separated from her best friend, Lottie attempts to challenge herself by abseiling, raft building and walking along a sensory trail blindfolded.  This story is full of friendship dramas with hilarious consequences. Lottie has to also navigate around the mean girls from a private school who are also staying at Camp Firefly as well as suffer the outcome from having her diary read out loud.  

Lottie Brooks never fails to help me see that my life is far more stable than hers.  A great book for 11 years and up if you like laugh out loud storylines. A must read for anyone about to embark on a school residential trip with their classmates.

Friends And Traitors by Helen Peters, reviewed by Emily (13)

Helen Peter’s novel, Friends and Traitors, is a thrilling and fast-paced story which kept me turning the pages from start to finish.

“Who will listen to a servant and a schoolgirl with an overactive imagination?…I found this story incredibly engaging. The plot was full of twists and turns as their adventure develops.”

Emily (13)

Set during World War Two in the 1940s, the main character is a teenage evacuee called Sydney whose boarding school is evacuated to a large stately house in the countryside.  Sydney is a loner and makes friends with a maid called Nancy and together they unwittingly uncover a secret Nazi plan which would threaten the security of Britain and their chances of winning the war.  But who will listen to a servant and a schoolgirl with an overactive imagination?  And will the girls succeed in alerting the authorities to the revealed traitors top secret plot?

I found this story incredibly engaging. The plot was full of twists and turns as their adventure develops.  I would recommend this book for 10-year-olds and up particularly if you enjoy war and mystery stories.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, reviewed by Oliver (10)

The Hunger Games is a marvellous book written by Suzanne Collins.  This book is such a thrilling page turner  – I couldn’t put it down.  The intense storyline was so engaging I actually felt I was there with the main characters.

“I actually felt I was there with the main characters.”

Oliver, 10

Once a year the capital city of Panem holds a Hunger Games where 12 unfortunate boys and girls fight to their death.  Katniss Everdeen (a sixteen-year-old) steps forward to save her little sister from competing.  Not knowing what was coming, the selected warriors would have to survive in a created arena watched by millions until one survivor was left.  Will Katniss win, or die fighting? 

This book is full of pace and heart-stopping scenarios. Its futuristic theme keeps the reader on their toes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and feel that it is a suitable read for children aged 10 and up.*

*Book Nook note – The Hunger Games is generally recommended for children 14+

What The World Doesn’t See by Mel Darbon, reviewed by Farrah (16) 

Maudie and Jake’s family is falling apart, with their mum struggling with her grief after the passing of their dad. One night she vanishes with only a note left behind, and no news of her whereabouts. When their aunt puts Jake in care, Maudie goes to desperate lengths to try to reunite her family, and she kidnaps Jake, taking him with her to Cornwall, hoping that when her Mum learns of the current situation, she will return.

“…a bond between brother and sister that is so beautiful and raw that it is almost tangible.”

Farrah (16)

What unfolds is a powerful and moving tale of grief, healing, finding oneself, first love and familial bonds. 

‘What The World Doesn’t See’ is a book that will stick with you long after you turn the last page, with very well written autism representation, and a bond between brother and sister that is so beautiful and raw that it is almost tangible.

The author Mel Darbon explains in the author’s note that she wrote from a very personal experience of having a sibling on the autism spectrum. Darbon highlights that whilst Jake’s experience (as well as that of her own brother’s) does not speak for the experience of everyone with autism, the novel clearly displays common obstacles faced by those like Jake, stemming predominately from people’s ignorance. Darbon’s writing, especially when we get to read from Jake’s point of view (since the story is told in dual narrative, allowing us to see life through the eyes of both Maudie and Jake) was very impactful. 

Ultimately, this book follows the physical and emotional journey of Maudie and Jake (and their mother), as they navigate their way through grief and towards healing, as well as the relationship between the siblings evolving as Maudie recognises what Jake is capable of, and allows him more freedom and opportunity to express his own independence. 

Hide and Secrets by Sophie McKenzie, reviewed by Rosa (11)

Hide and secrets is an amazing and thought-provoking read that has you on the edge of your seat —permanently — brimming with excitement to see what happens next. The more you read, the more the characters grow on you until you feel like you’ve been friends since birth. 

“An uncountable amount of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages at the speed of light.”

Rosa (11)

Cat is a fourteen-year-old girl who loves dress making and is having a hard time with her mum. Her sister Bess has not spoken since the devastating loss of their father. Bit by bit Cat and Tyler, who is staying at the end of her garden, uncover the lost pieces of the puzzle and go on a life-changing trip to learn more about her past and to change her future in the process. 

This amazing book has great characters and description all the way through. Sophie McKenzie has really outdone herself on this one! As well as that, it also has an uncountable amount of twists and turns that keep you turning the pages at the speed of light. Not to exaggerate. Sophie McKenzie has really outdone herself on this one!

This book fits neatly in the 10-11-12 age category but anyone (with adult permission) can. It starts with a text message and ends with a story…who knows what could happen in between.

The Girl Who Broke The Sea by A. Connors, reviewed by Farrah (16)

Lily, who has deep-rooted emotional problems, has an outburst which leads to expulsion from her school. In a desperate attempt at helping Lily and saving their family, her mother accepts a research job on a deep sea, mining rig (Deephaven), with Lily in tow.

The setting of Deephaven was unlike anything I have ever read before. It was an incredible backdrop for this story, providing a creepy, stark surrounding, to amplify the tensions and conflicts, as well as Lily’s internal battles.

Farrah (16)

Initially Lily feels just as unbalanced and isolated there as she did topside, but as the story unfolds, and she discovers more about her surroundings (and the suspicious nature of certain events), Lily gradually grows and adapts to her new-found environment. She begins investigating the death of a scientist on the rig, suspecting that his death is not all it seems, and discovers many enlightening things. With a blossoming friendship under her belt, Lily goes on a multitude of deep-sea exploits, ending up in several death-defying circumstances, as she attempts to untangle a web of mysteries, lies, and fascinating scientific discoveries. 

The setting of Deephaven was unlike anything I have ever read before. It was an incredible backdrop for this story, providing a creepy, stark surrounding, to amplify the tensions and conflicts, as well as Lily’s internal battles. The worldbuilding was expertly crafted, and you will be able vividly picture all of the action in your mind’s eye. 

Lily is a compelling main character, whose growth you root for, as you follow along with her identity- asserting journey. This fast-paced sci-fi thriller will have you enthralled, and on the edge of your seat, as you venture to the depths of the sea, with both villainous and courageous characters alike. 

I would recommend this novel to fans of ensnaring mysteries, as well as lovers of sci-fi and anything that will question and engage your mind.